Response to PM’s comments on Pacific Games Preparations ^Featured

He says that the claim by PM ‘Akilisi Pohiva during the Tonga’s parliament session this week which he said that “there is no land to build an 18-holes golf course for the Games” is not correct.

Takitoa says that he has explained time and again to the Government Facilities Committee (GFC) as well as the Government Technical Advisory Team (GTAT) that the original proposal for golf to be played on the 9-hole course and the existing golf course at Manamo’ui (Tonga Golf Club) only needed a minor reconfiguration and extension.

Further, this has been fully endorsed by the Pacific Games Council (PGC).

If only the GFC and Government followed the previous proposal by the Organizing Committee, preparation and construction could have been almost at half-way stage by now.

I urge Government to critically look at key documents which would assist in its delivery of the facilities (Bid Document, Host Agreement, PGC Charter) as well as closely liaising with the OC and TASANOC to ensure that constructions are compliant with International Federations (IF’s) standards.

Finally, let the professionals get on with the job of construction of the facilities, and Government to concentrate on its main role of funding the Games.

-TASANOC